logo
BabySparks
logo
  • What is BabySparks?
  • The Science
  • Childcare Providers
  • Learning Center
  • Get BabySparks
  • en
    • es
Prev
Dad's role in breastfeeding 0
A Dad’s Role in Breastfeeding
26 June 2020
Next
Protecting baby toddler from the sun 0
Protecting Babies and Toddlers from the Sun
29 June 2020
Health & Nutrition
The Downsides of Sun Exposure for Babies and Toddlers
29 June, 2020 by BabySparks in Health & Nutrition

Dangers of sun exposureOutdoor time benefits little ones in big ways. Fresh air can boost energy and promote healthy lungs. When it comes to play, being outside offers unique opportunities for children to use their bodies and thinking skills. There’s even evidence that daily fresh air can help babies sleep better at night.

Time outside also means time in the sun, even when it’s cloudy, and unfortunately, too much sun can be dangerous for babies’ and toddlers’ sensitive skin. But wait…isn’t Vitamin D from the sun a good thing? Absolutely. But according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the Skin Cancer Foundation, even Vitamin D benefits don’t trump the adverse effects of the sun for babies and toddlers.

Highlights:

  • Even spending time outdoors is very important for little ones (all of us, really!), it’s equally important to protect their skin from the sun.
  • Baby and toddler skin is still maturing, so it is especially vulnerable to sun exposure.
  • Unprotected or prolonged sun exposure can increase a child’s risk of:
    • Skin cancer
    • Burns
    • Eye Damage
    • Overheating
  • Protect your little one’s skin by avoiding the sun as much as possible, covering it with lightweight clothing, and using hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen.

How Can the Sun Harm Babies and Toddlers?

Babies’ and toddlers’ skin hasn’t matured yet, so it’s more vulnerable to the negative effects of sun exposure. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, for babies younger than six months old, melanin (a pigment that offers basic protection from the sun) is still a work in progress — even for those with darker skin.

Unprotected or prolonged sun exposure can increase children’s risk of:

Skin Cancer

We’ll get the scary one out of the way first. Ultraviolet radiation from the sun can increase a child’s chance of developing skin cancer later in life, especially if they experience sunburn.

Burns

Because baby and toddler skin is still maturing, it is more susceptible to burning, even from brief exposure to the sun. Burns can be itchy and painful and, as we mentioned above, can lead to skin cancer. Some may even be severe enough to warrant a trip to the doctor. The AAP recommends calling the doctor immediately if your baby is younger than age 1 has any sunburn.

Eye Damage

Babies’ eyes, like their skin, also lack melanin. Being in the sun without adequate eye protection can cause short-term irritation, and potentially long-term harm, in both babies and toddlers.

Overheating

Little bodies can overheat easily, especially in the heat of the sun. Signs to keep an eye out for are extreme thirst, weakness, exhaustion, and irritability. Overheating can also lead to heatstroke, which can be life-threatening.

When to Avoid the Sun

The AAP recommends that infants under six months old be kept out of the sun entirely, if possible. Older babies and toddlers can handle some sun, but only if adequately protected.

10 a.m. to 4 p.m. are the sun’s peak hours, so it’s best to avoid being outdoors with your little one during that time. You can try to plan activities early in the day or later in the afternoon to get some outdoor time without being exposed to the most dangerous rays and heat.

You can’t always avoid the sun, of course, but you can take steps to minimize the risk of it harming your little one. For tips, head over to our article on sun protection for babies and toddlers.

0 Comments
  • sun
  • sunburn
  • toddler
  • baby
2 Like!
Share
BabySparks

Recent comments

    Tags

    baby child cognitive feeding fine motor gross motor health language language skills milestones parenting sensory social-emotional speech toddler
    ABOUT US
    THE TEAM
    TERMS OF SERVICE AND PRIVACY POLICY
    support@babysparks.com
    FacebookInstagramPinterestTwitter
    Copyright © 2020 BabySparks LLC. All rights reserved
    logo
    X
    GET BABYSPARKS
    Step 2 of 2
    ACTIVITY PACKAGE:
    (All Prices in USD)

    Form of Payment

    Monthly: $1.25 per month/per child
    Annually: $12.00 per year/per child (20% discount)

    Form of Payment

    Monthly: $2.25 per month/per child
    Annually: $21.50 per year/per child (20% discount)

    Form of Payment

    Monthly: $5.00 per month/per child
    Annually: $45.00 per year/per child (25% discount)

    Number of children:

    x per child

    Total Amount

    SELECT YOUR METHOD OF PAYMENT
    * Required field
    Buy now BS

    BabySparks Premium Gives You…

    Access to 1,300+ development activities & milestones

    An expert-created program to support the development of children under your care

    Tools to increase family engagement, invite each family to use the program at home

    Ability to track each child's progress in real-time (and share it with his/her family)

    Add unlimited children, caregivers and locations to your account

    Manage and track progress across your organization through our desktop dashboard

    Cancel your subscription at any time

    By clicking on the button below, you agree to our Terms of Service & privacy policy.
    X
    EDIT YOUR ACCOUNT
    Your account
    Change your password
    X
    EDIT YOUR METHOD OF PAYMENT
    Update payment method
    * Required field
    Buy now BS
    By clicking on the button below, you agree to our Terms of Service & privacy policy.
    X
    UPDATE YOUR PACKAGE
    Your Activity Package
    (All Prices in USD)

    1 Month

    $ 3 99

    per month

    1 Year

    $ 23 99

    per year

    Update your package at any time
    (All Prices in USD)
    Pay as you go

    1 Month

    $ 3 99

    per month

    50% Discount

    1 Year

    $ 23 99

    per year

    60% Discount

    Lifetime

    $ 39 99

    one time

    How does it work?

    You can change your activity package at any time.

    The change will take place at the end of your current subscription period.

    You will only be charged the new rate once the change takes place.

    Cancel Activity Package
    X
    LOGIN BABYSPARKS

    Forgot your password?

    X
    PASSWORD RESET
    X
    RESET PASSWORD
    X
    GET BABYSPARKS
    Step 1 of 2
    Create Your Account

    Already Have an Account? Login

    X
    GET BABYSPARKS
    Step 1 of 2
    Create Your Account

    Already Have an Account? Login

    X
    GET BABYSPARKS
    Step 2 of 2
    Logged in as: (Not me)
    Select Your Activity Package
    (All Prices in USD)
    Pay as you go

    1 Month

    $ 3 99

    per month

    YOUR OFFER

    $ 2 99

    50% Discount

    1 Year

    $ 1 99

    per month

    Paid Annually: $23.99
    YOUR OFFER

    $ 2 99

    60% Discount

    Lifetime

    $ 39 99

    one time

    YOUR OFFER

    $ 2 99

    BabySparks Premium Gives You…

    Access to 1,300+ development activities & milestones

    An expert-created program to support your child’s development

    Weekly development reports summarize progress

    Browse activities for any situation

    Expert-written articles about development

    Sync up to 5 devices (add family and caregivers)

    Add up to 5 babies to your account

    Cancel your susbcription at any time

    * Required field
    Buy now BS
    By clicking on the button below, you agree to our Terms of Service & privacy policy.